What appears to be a pretty nice example of a K-32 just sold on Gun Broker as lot # 775389162. While the bidding was pretty spirited, it didn't really go as high as I expected... maybe folks were put off by the Pachmayr grips. Anyway, I hope the successful bidder, "huthike" is one of ours and will be giving a full report on it.

The description confirms that this is another of the late 16-3s that was built by taking a Model 14 frame and repurposing it, rather than waiting to make a whole run of dedicated Model 16s. They must have been really slow movers by then, but then again, that's why they are so valuable and sought after now. I'm currently doing the same thing by having a Model 14-3 rebuilt into a Model 16-3 using an original Model 16 barrel and a rebored Model 17 cylinder... it won't be the same as a factory original, of course, but it will be a good homage and 'll be able to take it out and shoot it without worrying about losing value.

Froggie

I've thought about a similar project and cutting the barrel to 4.5" 32s are great fun to shoot. All I have now is a M30. Good luck with yours and keep us posted. Pictures and range report are required!

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PTLAPTA!

I've already successfully concluded one such gun, Project 616 in 327 FM. I have also accumulated several I-frames in 32 S&W Long including a post-War snubbie and a RP Target, so I'm a longtime fan of the 32 revolver from S&W. The K-32 homage is being built to compliment my K-22 and -38, both vintage 1948. The only other 32s I'm still jonesing for would be a target I-frame with 4" barrel (32 "kit gun") or the elusive Model 631 in 32 H&R.

I'm with you on the Model 30-1... I found a nice example with Roy Fishpaw grips to provide my littlest niece (who is in her late 20s) with protection for herself and her daughter... I trust it just like my 32 HE snub as just what we need for that little bit of protection that can be the difference we might need!

Froggie

Yep, I’m here. Grail gun for sure for me, though I fear I over spent. Be glad to share pics once it arrives.

I like 32’s also - I think I’ve got one of those elusive 631’s laying around here somewhere...


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Congratulations! Based on current prices I’m seeing on other auctions and at gun shows, etc, if it’s in the condition advertised, I can’t see that you overspent at all! As I said in my op, the only glaring flaw I see in the pix is that pair of rubber grips, and they are easily replaceable with something more appropriate. I’ll be looking forward to seeing the “baby pictures” when it arrives. Again, congratulations, and I hope you will enjoy it to the fullest.

Froggie

PS “...one of those elusive 631s laying around...” too? I’m your new biggest fan!

Thanks for your kind thoughts. Here's the 631.

Attached Images

051 Smith & Wesson 631.JPG (89.4 KB, 176 views)

Looks good, huthike. That is one of those "stealth models" that S&W put out without any fanfare, then discontinued quickly due to "lack of interest and sales." I was fairly savvy about Smiths back then but never even knew it existed until after it was gone. Do you shoot it often? My friend and coconspirator Dale53 has one and it is a true joy to shoot... oddly enough, you will have a more powerful round in your stainless J-frame than what you have in the blue K-32 you just got. How's that for a confusing development?

Froggie

Froggie

I don’t shoot it often enough; it is a lot of fun. Probably my favorite j frame.


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Good for you. Another forum member offered me one about 8-10 years ago and I passed. Dumb, dumb, dumb!!!

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

...photo from the auction...

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A Country Boy Can Survive

I looked closely at each of the photos from the auction (and thankfully there were quite a few) so I could be sure my faux 16/14-3 would be correct and as well as I could determine it will be. Happy days!

Froggie

Early pics after a quick clean up. Got rid of the rubber grips - I think magnas are correct and had this set lying around.


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Nice, very nice. I hope the two of you will be very happy together! Bes sure and let us know how it shoots.

Froggie

Shot it today for the first time with some of my reloads. Shoots very well. Magnas too small for my hands - I’m thinking a pair of Culina targets for this bad boy.


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You definitely did not over pay. The gun was from California, the land of the over inflated "off roster" handgun prices, so I'm surprised that it wasn't carrying a reserve.

You did well in my opinion.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222